Who Can Buy Medically in Alberta? What About Recreationally?

Alberta has proposed its framework for the legalization of marijuana to make the minimum age to buy or use cannabis 18. Medical Marijuana laws in Canada are regulated by the ACMPR program.

This puts the decision on cannabis use for medicinal purposes in the hands of the patient or physician. Medicinal clinics require that a patient's diagnosis be at least five years old and must come from a practicing physician within the country.

How Do I Become a Medical Patient in Alberta?

To become a medical marijuana patient, you must have a medical prescription issued by a Canadian physician. You must see this doctor for at least a year and all medical records must be within a specific time frame and be verified. If you do not have a doctor, you can become eligible through a walk-in appointment at an ACMPR clinic.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients can access the application forms online. If you have further questions, we advise you visit a local, licensed physician or local dispensary.

Where Can I Consume Cannabis?

According to the article “Alberta unveils marijuana framework,” consumption will be restricted to private property and will fall under much of the framework for tobacco. School, hospitals, and areas frequented by children will be off-limits for consuming marijuana.

How Do I Get a Job in the Alberta Marijuana Industry?

There is huge opportunity for new jobs in Alberta with the legalization of recreational marijuana. Alberta allows private cannabis stores as a sales option.

The province Alberta strongly believes in human rights and believes that it is discriminatory to test potential or existing employees for drug and alcohol consumption if the test is not reasonable or justifiable.

Is Cannabis Delivery Legal in Alberta?

Medical marijuana delivery is legal in Alberta. As of August 2018, it is unclear whether recreational delivery will be readily available or allowed.

How Can I Pay for Marijuana at Dispensaries?

As Alberta is now just getting started in the marijuana industry, there is little information on how each recreational dispensary is going to handle their payment methods. Since medical dispensaries offer delivery, you can pay for it online with card or pay with cash when the product is delivered.

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Alberta Marijuana Laws

Recreational cannabis will be legal in Alberta on October 17, 2018. What follows are the laws immediately set by provincial lawmakers:

For recreational use, you must be 18 or older

Marijuana can only be purchased at a licensed dispensary

30 grams is the most someone can buy at a time

It is prohibited to smoke cannabis in some public places

Driving high is illegal

Cannabis cannot be within reach of anyone in a vehicle

Only four plants can be grown per household

Edibles are not legal to sell

Kids are not permitted into a dispensary, even with an adult

Growing Cannabis at Home

Under the federal legislation, adults will be able to grow no more than four plants per household. Seeds must be purchased from a licensed cannabis retailer. Those who are renters or live in a multi-family dwelling may be restricted from growing. The government is working to educate landlords, renters, and condo boards on allowing residents to grow cannabis or not.

Cannabis and Driving

Driving while impaired by marijuana is a serious crime in Alberta. The government is in the process of creating public awareness about the risks of using cannabis and driving. The consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol are the same consequences for driving under the influence of marijuana. For more information on impaired driving you can go to Amendments to the Traffic Safety Act.

Cannabis and Minors

There will be zero tolerance for cannabis use by minors. Anyone under the age of 18 found in possession of less than five grams will get the marijuana confiscated, receive a ticket and their parents with be notified. For possession of anything over five grams will result in criminal prosecution for minors.

Penalties and Fines

If anyone under the age of 18 is caught in possession of five grams or less of marijuana they will get the marijuana taken, a guardian will be notified, and they will receive a ticket.